FORD is in the process of putting a fleet of around 60 pre-production Focus ST prototypes through a punishing regime of testing and development to fine-tune the car’s driving dynamics and performance.
The fiery Ford, which goes on sale next year, boasts an eye-catching if unusual paint job, ground-hugging suspension, big wheels and tyres plus tell-tale central rear double exhaust.
It will be powered by a high-performance version of Ford’s new 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, targeting 250PS of punch, while still delivering significantly better fuel economy than the previous generation Focus ST.
“We’ve done all the engineering groundwork, and now we’re using some of the most demanding roads we can find in Europe and North America to validate and fine tune the performance and driving dynamics,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles.
Not only is fuel economy a key concern for Ford, but the development team is anxious to deliver an even more engaging driver experience - from its electric power assist steering system to driver-orientated seats.
And Ford insists that while the seats and seating position were very good in the previous Focus ST, the new model is sleeker and the driver will sit lower with more support.
“Like the Focus ST and RS models before it, the new Focus ST’s final set-up will be achieved after painstaking tuning on some of the most demanding roads we can find from California to the Nürburgring, and from high-speed German autobahns to classic British B-roads,” added Capito.